The reference site for Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine, also known by trade names Prozac and Sarafem among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

WHAT IS FLUOXETIN?

Fluoxetine hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug used medically in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and panic disorder.

Fluoxetine can also be used to treat many other conditions, such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is sold under the brand names Prozac®, Symbyax® (compounded with olanzapine), Sarafem®, Fontex® (Sweden), Foxetin® (Argentina), Ladose® (Greece), Fluctin® (Austria, Germany), Prodep® (India), Fludac® (India) and Lovan® (Australia). Fluoxetine was derived from diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine found to inhibit reuptake of the neurotransmitter “serotonin”.

Compared to other popular Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), fluoxetine has a strong energizing effect. This makes fluoxetine highly effective in treatment of clinical depression cases where symptoms like depressed mood and lack of energy exist. Although stimulating, it is also approved for a variety of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Brand Name(s): Prozac; Sarafem

CAS nº: 54910-89-3

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Product Info

The sections below will provide you with more specific information and guidelines related to fluoxetine and its correct use. Please read them carefully.

FDA Information

Eli Lilly’s Prozac® was approved by the FDA on 29th December 1987 and introduced in the US at the beginning of 1988. The drug became very popular, with millions around the world having taken the medication. However, in late 2001, Eli Lilly lost a patent dispute with Barr Laboratories and now fluoxetine hydrochloride is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies. The popularity and selling success of Prozac® has been aided greatly by Lilly’s extensive marketing campaign for the drug, considered one of the most successful in the history of American pharmaceuticals.

Fluoxetine hydrochloride is approved in the United States to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia-nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and panic disorder. In the United Kingdom, it is approved to treat depression with or without anxiety, bulimia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In December 2003 the FDA approved Symbyax® to treat bipolar depression. Symbyax® is a combination of fluoxetine and olanzapine. (In bipolar patients, the pure form of fluoxetine can cause mania, rapid cycling and psychosis, particularly if the patient is not also taking a mood stabilizer.)

Fluoxetine (Prozac®) is an antidepressant (mood elevator) drug, used medically in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bulimia-nervosa and panic disorder. Fluoxetine is also used (off-label) to treat many other conditions, such as ADHD.

On the other hand, fluoxetine (Sarafem®) is more commonly used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Compared to other popular SSRIs, fluoxetine has a strong energizing effect. This makes fluoxetine highly effective in treatment of clinical depression cases where symptoms like depressed mood and lack of energy prevail.

This medication can sometimes be prescribed for other uses, but it is strongly recommended that you ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nevertheless, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your particular condition.

Dosage and using this medicine

Fluoxetine is sold in capsules containing 10, 20, 40 or 90 mg of active ingredient, in tablets containing 10 mg, or in an oral solution with concentration of 20 mg/5 ml. Dosages in the range of 20-60 mg per day are standard, with 80 mg considered a maximum.

Prozac Weekly® is 90 mg of regular enteric-coated fluoxetine, taken every 7 days. The coating causes the fluoxetine to be dissolved in the intestines instead of the stomach.

Fluoxetine oral liquid comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose (if you are not sure how to use the dropper, please ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it). Dilute the liquid in 4 ounces (120 ml) of water, apple juice, or Gatorade just before taking it.

Continue to take fluoxetine even if you feel well, and it is advised that you do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?

BEFORE TAKING FLUOXETINE:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluoxetine or any other drugs.

Also, let your doctor know if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver or heart disease.

Additionally, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxetine, call your doctor immediately.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fluoxetine.

You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Remember that alcohol can also add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

If you take fluoxetine once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose.

Remember to keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. If you have any queries, please talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In the case of an overdose, call your local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222. However, if the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, please call the local emergency services immediately on 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

unsteadiness

confusion

unresponsiveness

nervousness

tremor

dizziness

rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)

fever

fainting

coma

Product Images

PICTURES OF FLUOXETINE PILLS

Below you will find images and specific information on the principal types of Fluoxetine that exist, including their respective brand name(s), strength, inscription codes and manufacturers.

The information below includes general information and guidelines for patients taking this medication and should never be used to substitute professional medical advice that can be provided by a qualified physician or family doctor.